MIDTERM Lesson 3.

EXPLORING TEXTS REFLECTING DIFFERENT CULTURES

In the previous lesson, you learned that intercultural communication has an important role to
play in effective communication. Indeed, awareness of the different varieties of English with
their features as well as understanding the registers of English should be the goal of everyone so
that there is less misunderstanding and miscommunication.
Lesson Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
 Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of cultural context in the communication
process.
 Analyze texts that reflect varied cultures and practices
 Appreciate various identities and differences

Discussion:
Cultural Texts
One cause of miscommunication is pronunciation. Speakers of different varieties of English have
different ways of pronouncing words. This is so because American English Philippine English
Gotcha! Got you! Whatche say? What did she say? Where did Wherd yu go? you go? Ja
hitit? Did you hit it? Can I get you a drink? Can I getche adrink? of differences in
phonology. Kachru and Nelson (2006, p.37) claimed that in terms of pronunciation, most Outer-
and Expanding-Circle varieties display differences from the Inner-Circle varieties, similar to
those found between regional dialects within the Inner-Circle Varieties. These differences may
lead to grammatical consequences affecting comprehension. For Instance, among Singaporean
and Malaysian speakers of English, a feature noted is the simplification of final consonant
clusters, e.g., [lef] for left and [pick] for picked. Such is also the case in Philippine English.
Interpretations then vary because of differences in pronunciation with a full, distinct sound.
Filipinos pronounce words as they are written or spelled out making it syllable-timed and not
stress-timed.
Americans, on the other hand, blend syllables or sometimes even drop some sound making the
syllables short. Below are some examples of this feature:
 A cultural barrier does not only pertain to differing languages. It may also be in the form of a
cultural practice or even a bodily gesture. For instance, in English-speaking countries and even in
the Philippines, the thumbs-up gesture signals approval.
However, it is considered offensive in other countries such as Greece, Italy, and in some parts of
the Middle East. Likewise, making a circle with one’s thumb and foreigner generally means okay
in many Western cultures but this is not so in countries like Japan where it is interpreted as a sign
for money, and in some Arab cultures as a threat. Thus. one should be careful in using bodily
gestures.
Formal and Informal Language
By informality of the language which one speaks. As it is, different registers are used in different
situations. Your purpose for communication and the relationship you have with the
listeners/readers will determine if you are to use formal or informal language. When you are in
the gymnasium and a teenager offers you a seat, you acknowledge the kind gesture by saying:
“thanks for the seat.”
However, of you are in an academic forum and an organizer offers you a seat, you say: “ Thank
you very much, (Sir or Ma’am). When speaking impromptu on a certain topic, you should use
ordinary, conversational language. However, if you are to give a lecture in a conference, your
language should be formal. In the same manner that when you write your speech and your
purpose is to inform your audience on climate change, it is expected that your language is
formal.
In contrast, if your speech is meant to entertain your listeners on a light topic, your language
should be informal.
Summary of the Lesson:
1. One cause of miscommunication or misinterpretation is differing pronunciation. Speakers
have different ways of pronouncing words because of differences in phonology. It is then
important to be exposed to the ways other speakers of English use the language to reduce the
degree of difficulty that may be experienced
2. Aside from pronunciation, non-verbal communication also plays an important role in effective
communication. Bodily gestures should be properly interpreted as their meanings vary from
culture to culture.
3. One’s purpose for communication as well as his/her relationship to the listeners/readers will
determine the kind of language he/she will use.
References/Attributions: Madrunio, M., & Martin, I. (2018). Purposive Communication: Using English in
Multilingual Contexts. Quezon city: C & E Publis